Sid Meier's Pirates! 1987

About

Sid Meier's Pirates! came out in 1987 for Amstrad CPC and Apple II, then for Commodore C64/128/MAX on May 8, 1987 and for Apple IIGS and Mac in 1988. On Steam, 63% of 115 player reviews are positive (Mixed). Valve rates it Unsupported on Steam Deck. It won 2 awards, including Origins Award for Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Computer Game and Origins Award for Best Screen Graphics in a Home Computer Game.

You'll criss-cross your way along the 17th century Spanish Main in search of all-new adventures. You'll lead a crew of hot-blooded buccaneers into rollicking harbour towns. And risk your booty and your life plundering enemy ships! Hunt for magnificent treasures! Unravel the mysteries and clues of your adventure! Even battle your way through enemy waters on grueling rescue missions! Will you win your rightful place in history? Or will you end up shipwrecked on a distant island? The answer can only be found in the swashbuckling Pirates! Gold.

What is happening now

Sid Meier's Pirates! is a strategy-adventure hybrid that blends exploration, naval combat, and economic simulation across the Caribbean. Originally released in 1987, the game tasks players with building a pirate empire through trading, raiding, and treasure hunting while managing crew morale and ship upgrades. The game has maintained a dedicated following over the decades. Recent coverage has reflected on the title's enduring legacy, with fans marking four decades since its original release and continuing to explore its systems and hidden mechanics.